London is one of the greenest major cities in Europe, with thousands of public green spaces ranging from historic Royal Parks to neighbourhood playgrounds and riverside gardens. Many of these areas date back centuries and are now freely accessible to residents and visitors.
This guide explores the best parks in London, including top-rated green spaces, scenic picnic spots, family-friendly playgrounds, and historic Royal Parks. It also provides practical details such as entry fees, opening hours, facilities, and visitor tips to help plan a smooth and enjoyable outdoor experience.
Discovering London’s best parks
London’s park system combines historic landscapes, wildlife reserves, lakes, formal gardens, and sports facilities.
The Royal Parks network alone includes eight major parks that are free to enter, although some activities and events require paid tickets.
What makes the best park London visitors should prioritise?
- Central location or easy Underground access
- Open lawns for relaxation or picnics
- Cafés, toilets, and sports facilities
- Scenic viewpoints or historic landmarks
- Playgrounds for children
Quick planning checklist
- Short city break → Choose centrally located parks such as Hyde Park or St James’s Park
- Nature and wildlife → Visit Richmond Park or Hampstead Heath
- Family travel → Select parks with playgrounds and cafés
- Picnic plans → Choose parks with large open lawns
Top-rated parks in London
Here are our top-selected parks within London that we think you should visit.
Hyde Park
Hyde Park covers an area of approximately 142 hectares, making it one of the largest central green spaces in London. It is generally open from around 5:00 am until midnight throughout the year, allowing you to enjoy the park both early in the morning and late in the evening. In addition, entry to the park is completely free.
Moreover, Hyde Park offers a wide range of attractions and activities. You can rent boats on Serpentine Lake, with prices typically ranging from £10 to £12 per hour. If you are a sports enthusiast, you can make use of the tennis courts and sports centre, where certain facilities require a paid booking. Throughout the year, the park also hosts seasonal events, including concerts, festivals, and the famous Winter Wonderland attraction during the festive season.
Pros
- Central location
- Many recreational activities
Cons
- Busy during summer weekends
Regent’s Park
Regent’s Park is famous for Queen Mary’s Rose Gardens, which feature thousands of rose varieties and attract visitors throughout the blooming season. In addition, the park provides direct access to the London Zoo, a popular ticketed attraction located within its grounds. The park also has extensive walking and cycling routes, the perfect destination for both leisure strolls and outdoor exercise.
Pros
- Beautiful formal landscaping
- Quiet garden areas
Cons
- Some areas are restricted during events
Hampstead Heath
Hampstead Heath spans over 300 hectares of woodland, open meadows, and natural landscapes. It is particularly famous for the panoramic skyline views from Parliament Hill, which offer one of the best vantage points for seeing the city. In addition, the Heath features several outdoor swimming ponds, which are open seasonally and require a paid entry fee.
Pros
- Natural landscapes
- Excellent city viewpoints
Cons
- Fewer cafés and formal facilities
Perfect London parks for picnics
If you’re searching for open lawns, scenic views, and accessibility when choosing the best London parks for picnics, here are our top choices:
| Park | Features | Picnic advantages |
| Primrose Hill | Panoramic London skyline views | Popular sunset picnic location |
| Greenwich Park | Historic hilltop views over the River Thames | Large grassy areas are ideal for groups |
| Battersea Park | Riverside setting with landscaped gardens | Picnic lawns with nearby cafés and takeaway options |
Best parks in London for kids and families
Coram’s Fields
- Unique children-only park where adults must be accompanied by children
- Sandpits, sports areas, and animal enclosures
Kensington Gardens: Diana Memorial Playground
- Pirate-ship themed play area inspired by Peter Pan
- Secure entry and family facilities
Greenwich Park Playground
- Greenwich Park has natural play zones themed around maritime history
- Family cafés and open lawns
Why these are among the best parks in London for kids
- Dedicated play equipment
- Safe enclosed zones
- Toilets and family facilities
Must-visit Royal Parks
London’s Royal Parks are historic former royal hunting grounds that are now open to the public free of charge.
Richmond Park
Richmond Park is the largest park in London, covering more than 2,500 acres of protected green space. It is also home to over 600 free-roaming wild deer. In addition, entry to the park is free. Pedestrian gates are typically open for most hours of the day, while vehicle access is generally permitted during daylight hours, depending on seasonal schedules.
St James’s Park
St James’s Park has an iconic view of Buckingham Palace and Horse Guards Parade. In addition, the park is known for its historic pelican feeding traditions, which date back centuries, as well as its scenic lake, where you can enjoy peaceful walks and wildlife observation.
Green Park
The park is typically open from around 5:00 am until midnight, providing ample time to enjoy the surroundings throughout the day. Additionally, its quiet lawns create an ideal setting for relaxation, offering peaceful spaces away from the busier areas of the city.
Plan your trip: Essential London park visit information
Entry fees
Most major public parks, including all Royal Parks, are free to enter, though special events, attractions, or sports facilities may charge separate fees.
Opening hours
Most central parks: Approximately 5:00 am to midnight
Some large parks: Open from dawn to dusk or with seasonal gate closures
Best time to visit
Spring: Flower gardens and mild weather
Summer: Outdoor events and long daylight hours
Autumn: Colourful foliage photography
Accommodation near London’s best parks
Staying close to central transport connections makes it easier to explore London’s best parks, from Hyde Park to Regent’s Park and Kensington Gardens.
Urban Retreat Apartments provides serviced accommodation in convenient locations, offering an ideal base to enjoy the best parks in London.
